Gas separator for liquid dispensing apparatus



A. UNGAR 2,313,403

8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 2, 1939- GAS SEPARATR FOR LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS INVENToR films-@A March 9, 1943. G. A. UNGAR GAS SEPARATOR FOR LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 2,' 1959 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR uve .,yaj/r ORNEY March 9, 1943. G; A. UN'GAR 2,313,403

GAS sEPAR'AToR' FOR LIQUID msPENsINe APPQ'RATUS Filed Feb. 2, 1939 8 sheets-sheet 3 8 Sheets-Sheet. 4A

,March 9, 1943; G. A. UNGAR GAS SEPARATOR FOR LIQUID'DISPENSING PPARATUS Filed Feb. 2, 1939 G. A. UNGAR GAS SEPARATOR FOR LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS March 9,V 1943.

' s sheets-sheet 5 Filed Feb. 2, 1939 afi- March 9, 1943. G. A. UNGAR GAS SEPARTOR FOR LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed eb. 2, 1939 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 lill/,11111111 INVENTOR March 9, 1943. G. A, UNGAR 2,313,403

GAS SEPAATR FOR-LQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS i Filed Feb.- 2, 19:59 a Smeets-sheet '7 March 9, 1943. G. A. UNGAR l GAS SEPARATOR FOR LIQUID .DISPENSINGAIIPPARATUS Filed Feb. l2, 1939 a sheets-snee; a

Patented Mar. 9, 1943 GAs sEPAnA'ron Fon LIQUID msPENsING APPARATUS A Gustave A. Ungar, Pelham Manor, N. Y., assigner to Joseph F. Keller, New York, N. Y.

Application February 2,1939, serial No. 254,179

16 Claims.

Y This invention relates to dispensing apparatus such as is used in vending motor fuelsl to the consumer and has for its object to improve suchl apparatus. Another object is to provide an improved gas separator for such apparatus which is efficient yet simple in operation and not expensive to produce. A further object is to provide an air separator of the type having a con- 'trolled vent yet capable of preventing the passage of liquid past the vent when open. Yet another object is to provide means to insure being able to automatically prime the liquid pump on startjng l In existing apparatus for dispensing gasoline and other volatile liquids, it is known that gas or air mixed with liquid has to be removed to prevent inaccuracies in metering. One form of separator has a vent always open to the` atmosphere, but this requires a high enough static head of liquid to counterbalance pump pressure. Another type of air and gas separator has a valve controlled vent witha settling chamber or the like for liquid which has passedsaid vent and valve, and some means for returning excess liquid in the settling'chamber to the suction side of the pump or to the supply tank underground.

This entails needless pumping losses. Under this invention there is provided a vent valve capable of closing in response to a liquid surge, with the result that no liquid passes said vent and no settling chamber or means for returning excess liquid therein is necessary.

Another objection to some of the suction systems for drawingliquid from the storage tank is the danger of `a. foot valve o." check located near the tank, leaking with the resultV liquid surrounding the pump may be siphoned back into the tank, leaving no liquid-for priming the pump and making the resumption of liquid vflow more diilicult. This disadvantage has been-sub- A stantially eliminated, an automatic Siphon break'- er being provided to insure a liquid pool at the pump -i'or priming regardless of whether a floot valve may leak or not.

Referring to the drawings,

Fig, 1 shows one embodiment ofthis invennon.

Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2-2 with the v cover-removed, in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a view corresponding to Fig. 4, but showing the valve closed. I

Fig. 6 is a section onf-the line 6-6 of Fig. A5.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing one type of balanced relief valve. y Fig. 8 is aview greatly enlarged on the line 8-8 of Fig.

Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of this invention.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional detail of some of the vent'valve structure in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a view on the line II--II of Fig. 10.

Fig, 12 is a section on the line I2-I2of Fig. 9.'

Fig. 13 illustrates, another embodiment of this invention. y I

Fig. 14 is an enlarged cross-section of the solenoid operated vent valve of Fig. 13.

v Fig. 15 inustrates one type of uquid return l valvefor location betweenthe gas separator and the suction-side of the pump.

Fig. 16 shows still another embodiment of the' invention.

Fig. 17 is a section on the line Il-Il of Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is Fig. 16.

Fig. 19 shows yet a further' embodiment of this invention. l

Fig. '20 is a section on the line 20-20 .of Fig. 19.

Fig. 21 is a section on the line 2I-2I of Fig. 19.

Fig, 22 shows a suction operated siphon breaka section on the une' ls-ls of er and return valve.

the discharge pipe I2 leading to a meter and.

nozzle. To take care of liquid being pumped after the nozzle'. has been closed, a return pipe I3, controlled by a check valve I6 (Fig. 9), leads back and is connected with the pipe I 0. This separatingchamber is preferably a casting having a removable cover I4 in `which is provided a. vent passage housing I 9. An opening I5 for liquid and gasleads to a. small space normally closed by a ap valve I6 pivoted at I8 and provided with a small gas vent I.'I. Also .secured on the shaft I8 is a lever arm 2l (see Fig. 2) connected with the rod 20 for actuating another lever 22,' pivoted on the shaft 23. A spring 20a., yieldably'transmits movement from the-lever 2I to the rod 20. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, an arm 24 is also secured on the shaft 23 and is bifur- "cated or shaped as shown in Fig. 6 for engaging the lower part .of the vent valve 25 and raising and closing it. Holes 26 in the vent valve 25 co-operate with corresponding openings in the housing to allow escape of gas past the valve and out the top of the vent when the valve is open. When the valve is raised and in the position shown in Fig. 5, the vent passage 21 is closed by contact between the conical portionl of the valve engaging its seat 21h.

Over the vent opening 21 is placed an umbrella-like hood 21a to keep dirt and rain from getting into the separating chamber. Where the dispensing apparatus is indoors, a long vent pipe extending to the roof is usually required by law, and of course such should .be protected against rain and dirt entering by a bend or hood 21u. The holes 26 in the vent valve and the cooperating openings in ythe vent valve guide are sufiiciently small to cause liquid on reaching these holes to be slowed up and put under enough increased pressure to slide the vent valve closed. Another ilap valve 28 is pivoted on the shaft 29, to which is secured a lever arm 30, connected with the actuatingA rod, 3l, through the yieldtially balances the -weight of the valve 43, holding it normally open, but yet sensitive enough so that suction closes the valve.

In operation on starting the pump II, the return valve 43 is closed by suction and held closed while the pump is in operation. Should a foot valve leak, the suction lift in pipe I0 may vola-4 tilize some of the liquid and'require removal of gas as well as air for meter accuracy. After starting the pump liquid is discharged through the opening I5, but before doing so any air has a chance to be vented through the opening I1 and out the vent 21 in the top of the chamber. This vent 21 is open while the pump is not in operation. As the liquid rises through the opening I5, the flap valve I6 is moved to the dotted line position indicated. Such movement of the valve I6 swings the lever arm 2| in a clockwise direction moving the rod 20 to the right as shown in Fig.

2 and swinging the lever 22 in a counter-clockwise direction, raising the arm 24 and raising and able spring 3Ia, said rod 3l being connected also to the lever arm 22, as shown in Fig. 2. A vent opening 32 is likewise provided in the valve 28. When the valve 28 is open it is in the dotted line position indicated in Fig. 1 and thereby enables liquid to flow through the passage 34 and thence either out the discharge pipe I2 or through the return pipe I3 past the relief or check valve. A vent opening' 33 extends from near the outlet portion of the separator housing to the upper portion thereof, so that particles of gas or air not completely separated previously, may have a chance to separate out into the upper portion of the chamber. Fig. 7 shows a'balanced relief valve controlling the liquid supply to the return pipe I3. Liquid entering by the passage 34 will, when the discharge nozzle is open, flow past the relief valve within housing 35, and the normally open check valve 38,.

(Figi. '7) passing out the discharge pipe I2.

InFigs. 4 and 5, pivoted on the arm'24, at 31, is a lever 38, whose upper portion is hookshaped, as illustrated. -A spring 38 Wound around the shaft 23 engages the upper portion of the lever 38 and normally biases it into engagement with the lower ilange on the vent valve 25, while the valve is raised or closed. On lowering the arm 24, the hook lever 38 positively depresses and opens the vent valve 25 against any pressure within the separator chamber. On :further lowering the' arm 24, the lever 38 has its lower portion brought into engagement with a roller C9 mounted on a fixed shaft 4I so that the lever 38 is caused to swing in a slightly counter-clockwise direction to disengage the hook from the valve 25,thereby leaving the valve 25 free to be closed by a liquid surge or splash within the separator chamber. The housing 42, shown in Fig. 3 encloses the linkage connecting the flap valves with the vent valvev actuating mechanism. At the left and lower side of4 the separating chamber is located a return valve 43, closing the passage leading to the suction side ofthe pump. A spring 44, substanclosing the vent valve 25 so that no more air or gas may escape out the vent passage 21. Any gas in the upper portion of the separating chamber will be compressed and cushion the rising liquid. While the pump is operating, the liquid must find an outlet so that valve 28 is raised to the dotted line position by its connected linkage to valve I6 and is kept raised by liquid flow through the passage 34, and the discharge pipe I2. There will benothing to hold the valve I6 open after liquid flow past it ceases, so that it drops'and closes, by gravity, swinging the lever 2| and the rod20 to the left in Fig. 2. However, due to the elongated opening 20h, the lever 22 is not moved by this last movement of the rod 20, especially since openingof the valve 28 has moved the rod 3| to the right tending to hold the lever 22 in position with the vent valve 25 closed. On closing the valve at the discharge nozzle the pressure in the discharge pipe I2 immediately rises, closing the valve 36 and opening the balanced relief valve 48 of Fig. '7 or opening the relief valve 16 of Fig.

9, so that liquid may be recycled through the pipe-l3 or I3a.

When the discharge nozzle is partially closed, pressure in the system rises and partially opens the relief valve so that part of the liquid being pumped may pass through the discharge pipe I2 to the nozzle and part through sure on the inside.

the return pipe I3. As soon as the pump stops-.-

liquid flow ceases and the ilap valve 28 closes by gravity. This closing movement of the valve 28 shifts the rod 3| to the left in Fig. 2, moves the lever 22'in a clockwise direction, lowers the arm 24, and causing the hook lever 38 to pull the vent valve 425, downwardly opening it.. The

soon as the vent valve 25 has been opened, thel separating chamber will have atmospheric preswill eventually reach the underside of valve 43, ,and thus the vent valve 25, and the valve 43 may together act as a. Siphon breaker to prevent any leaky foot valve which might exist, being a cause of liquid being sucked out from the pump. As

` soon as the air pressure is admitted past the valve 43, any siphonin-gv action is broken thereby This atmospheric pressureleaving a residual pool of liquid on the intake side ofthe pump to assist in priming the same on starting again.

'I'he relief valve shown in Fig. 9 is the same as that shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 'l the relief valve is substantially balanced. Liquid pumped from the gas separating chamber enters by the passages 34 and 45, and ilows past the valve 36, out the discharge line I2. The spring 46 is preferably only strong enough tonearly support the weight of the valve, the valve being normally held open 'and away from its seat. With normal nozzle discharge the vspring 54 is suillcient to keep valve 48 on its seat. On reduction of liquid movement through the discharge nozzle, the increase in pressure is sulcient to raise the piston .49

against the action of the spring 5I, and raise the valve stem 52, slightly opening the valve 46 on its upward movement away from its seat 41. Some appropriate form of packing 50, such as leather or the like, assists in maintaining good contact around the piston 49 without having too tight a t. The piston 49 is made relatively movable with respect-to the valve stem 52 in order that the spring 5l may exert a yieldability or cushion action upon the liquid somewhat akin to y the effect of an air cushion of limited size. One

advantage of the balanced valve shown in Fig. 7 isits ability to be partially open-without chatter, When the discharge nozzle is only partly open. As soon as the valve V48 is raised slightly from its seat the iltof the piston 48 within its* cylindrical guide 56-allows a smallv amount of liquid to leak past the piston. On further raising piston valve 48, the ports 53 will be slightly uncovered. A number of these ports Aare provided as shown in Fig. 8, and while they are cut byv a circular drill, due to the inclination illustrated, the trace of these'ports on the cylindrical guide surface 56 is elongated or of generally elliptical shape. 'I'he greater the upward movement' of the'piston away from its seat, the greater is the amount of port opening and the greater may be the liquid flow through the ports 53 to. the under side of the piston valve 48, land out the passage'leading to the return pipe I3. The spring 54, balances part of the upward thrust on the stem 52, due to the piston 49, this spring co-operating with the piston valve 48, and with the housing 35, .the additional downward pressure is exerted by liquid pressure on the upper/Sniace of piston valve 48. A flxed stem 55 is provided to limit upward movement of the piston and prevent the piston being moved out of its guide 56. In event any gases should enter or form in the chamber 35, especially with the unit at rest, a vent pipe 51 leads oil to the top portion of the 'gas separating chamber although the connection for this pipe has not been shown in Fig. l.A The stem 56 on the valve 86 provides a suitable guide by its co-operation with the inside of the cylinder illustrated in which it slides. The cylindrical guide, 56, for the piston valve 48, is made removable, being attached to the housing or casting by vscrew threads 59. When the nozzle or discharge pipeis fully closed, pressure rises still more, raising piston 48 enough closed and thus prevented from chattering. The

valve 48 remains open and liquidisby-passed without pressure loss other than pipe friction. Piston valve 48 -may 'remain partially open in event the discharge nozzle is'partially closed..

The piston 49 is made larger than valve 48. The

hole shown in piston 49 provides a quick inlet and outlet for liquid through the piston as spring 5| is extended and compressed.

63a, providing a yieldable connection, or if de-` sired the connection may be substantially nonyieldable or with lost motion. The rod 63 connects with the lever 64, and this lever actuates a vent valve 25a in its guide 21c, in a manner analogous to the operation of the.vent valve, by the lever 22, in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive. The actuating' arm and hook for closing and opening the valve a has not been shown in Figs. 9 and 10, for example, since they were shown in earlier` iigures. As the float 69rises, the vent -valve 25a is closed in response to the oat movement; the

dotted position 65 illustrates the upper position for the iloat. In addition to the opening I5a, other openings 66 and 61 a're provided, all leading into the upper portion of vthe separating chamber.

Unlike the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the construction of Fig. 9 contemplates the provision of a second vent opening and vent valve for the purpose of more tion quickly opening the upper por- Joi' the separating chamber tothe atmos` phere, on stoppage of the pump.- since the iloat may descend somewhat gradually and not open its vent valve 25a as soon as is desired. The float would stay in its raised position after thepump stopped if the foot valve in the pipe Ina were tight, the liquid descending gradually only if the iootV valve leaked. A suction operated valve 68 is closed during operation of the pump and on stoppage of the pump its spring 69 raises the valve 68 to allow. any liquid surrounding the valve to pass back to the suction side of the pump where it is available for priming the pump the next time it sarts. Unlike the liquid return valve oi' Fig. 1, the valve 66 in Fig. 9 is substantially Y balancedy through piston 'H a of substantially the same diameter as valve 68, 'against pressure in to relieve the pressure and allow liquid to -ilow I out the return pipe. The rise in pressure has the separating chamber. 88 easy to open under any substantial pressure in the separating chamber. Spring 69 doesI not have to raise this valve against'pressure to the same extent that does spring 44 in Fig. 1. Movement of the valve 68 controls the second vent valve 14 vthrough the lever 'Il pivoted at 12 to the stationary arm 10 and connected to the rod 13 which actuates the Avalve 14, the connection between the valve 14 and the rod 13 being shown more clearly in Fig. 10.

Each of the vent valves is individually and separately r responsive to any liquid surge or splash.

ing so that either or both may be closed by such contact with liquid and held closedsby pressure- Fig. 10. As was the case in Fig. l, a suitable hood 'I8 may be provided over the vent openings to prevent admission of rain or dirt into the separating chamber when the pump is stopped. The

This makes the valve tube 19h illustrated on the upper end of the rod 13 is internally threaded and provided with a nutv 80. The spring 19 normally pushes the upper end of the rod 19a upwardly into contact with. the valve so that movement of the valve in closing is made yieldable by the spring 19. A liquid surge will lift valve 14 and close the holes 14a in the valve by moving them out cf registry with the holes 14b in the valve guide 14e. The tapered end of valve 14 is brought into contact with its seat 14d only when rod 13 'is lifted, the motion being transmitted to the valve through tube 19h, nut 80 and rod 19a and spring 19. The internal flanges 8| engage the lower part of the valve for positively lowering the v'alve against any pressure within'the separating chamber. Liquid is discharged from the separating chamber through the passage 34a and out the discharge pipe |2a. The space 15 connects with the path of liquid movement and on throttling or stoppage of liquid ow through the discharge nozzle the relief valve 16 is raised from its seat-against the action of the spring 11, allowing liquid to pass through the return line I3a. The cylindrical guide 16a for valve 16 slides in its housing 16b and exerts a cushioning action on valve 1B, tending to reduce chatter of this valve. The passage 33a leads into the portion of the separating chamber adjacent the float and the passage 82 leads still further upward'to the space around the vent valves.

In Fig. 13 is illustrated one of the simpler embodiments of this invention adapted especially for low suction heads. Liquid is sucked through the pipe |b by the pump IIb, thence through the openings |b, 66h, 61h, into the upper portion of the separating chamber where a float 60h is 1o cated. This float by means of the linkage 63h controls the vent valve h, in the same manner described in connection with the vent valve, in the first sheet of drawings herein. In addition a second vent.va1ve 'is provided on top of the separating chamber/controlled by a solenoid as shown in Fig. 14, but it should be understood this second vent valve may or may not be used. Its use insures quicker venting to the atmosphere on stoppage of the pump.

The solenoid 84 is supplied by wires 85 which may be directly inseries with the motor opery ating the pump, pr may be controlled in response to motor operation through some well known type relay mechanism. Startingthe motorV driven pump causes current to pass through the solenoid 84, raising its armature 86, freeing valve 81 and enabling it to be closed by a liquid surge or by pressure of the spring 81a, or by iluid. pressure within the separating chamber after the holes 26h in the valve have been raised out of alinement with the holes 90 in the valve guide or housing. When the pump has stopped and current is oil the motor, a spring (not shown, but within the solenoid housing and stronger than spring 81a) pushes armature 86 downwardly far enough to bring lower valve 81 l and bring holes 26h into registry with holes 90.

Gas pressure within the separator is then vented through the openings 90, 9| and 92, for passing out the vent opening. It should be noted that the valve 81, like the other vent valves heretofore described, is made so as to be closed by any liquid surge which might enter through the opening 88 at the bottom of the valve. The nut 89 on top of the vent valve housing is provided with openings as illustrated and the petticoat or shielding portion prevents the admission of rain or dirt into the separating chamber.

In Fig. 15 is illustrated a modified type of liquid return valve 95 which is adapted for use in place of the valves 43 of Fig. l or 68 of Fig. 9,

except that this type valve is not as well adapted for actuating a second vent valve as is the type valve shown in Fig. 9. The suction passage 93 Y for liquid into the pump is provided with this liquid return valve, so that some of the liquid in the space 94 from the separating chamber may be drained back for priming the pump. In

starting the pump the valve 95 is moved downward by suction, the suction acting against the spring 96.and causing the openings 91 and 98 to -be brought into alignment as the valve moves downward. Continued downward movement under suction moves the valve 95 until it engages rating chamber aids in lowering and holding the valve down. Reduction of this pressure on stoppage ofthe pump aids in raising the valve. The size of the openings 91 and 98 may control the rate at which liquid may ilow through the valve and therefore this valve may be constructed as a suitable delay action type liquid return valve, capable of being open during only some of the operation of the pump.

Fig. 16 shows another embodiment of this invention which, like the device of Fig. 13, is pro-` f.

vided with no, liquid return connection nor vacuum breaker on the suction side of the pump.

The baiiles 99 and |00 provide a tortuous path for liquid movement as it flows toward the flap volve |0I, and after opening this valve out of the separating chamber in the direction of the dotted lines shown in the drawings. The baiiles |03 and |04 also assist in providing the desired tortuous path which is effected in assisting in eliminating particles of gas contained within the liquid. The vents |05 and |06 enable gas to be v discharged into the upper portion of the separating chamber regardless of Awhether or not the flap valve I0| is open. This valve opens by liquid ilow or surge and through the linkage |02 actuates the vent valve- 25C. This `valve operateg in the manner described in connection with val e 25a. in Fig. 1. No additional vent valve `is shown in the embodiment of Fig. 16, though it will be understood a -second vent valve may be vprovided and such suction valve operated by either a solenoid or any other mechanism which enables the operation of the vent valve to be substantially responsive to operation of either the motor or pump. The lever |01 for operating the vent valve 25o may be yieldably operated on opening movement of the flap valve to close the vent, but as illustrated is not yieldably actuated on opening the vent valve. Lever |01 may also be operated by a lost motion linkage with the While the additional hooked lever for opening the vent valve has not .been shown, it will be understood that such may be used. The flap valve l0l is kept open by liquid flow during operation of the pump, but as soon as the pump stops the valve -|0| closes by gravity. As shown in Figs. 1'1 and 18, the separating chamber may be made of castings in two parts,

.ber 4of baliies 99h, |00b, |03b, and |04b, as well as the vent opening |05d in the removable cover plate ||4. The flap valve ||0.actuates in the same manner described .in connection with Fig. 16, that is by the bell crank lever actuating the rod ||2 for closing the ventvalve 25h. Unlike Fig. 16, the device of Fig. i9 is provided with a suction operated valve ||3 to permit liquid return from the separating chamber to the suction side of the pump for priming same. This valve II3 may be of the general type described and'illustrated in Fig. l. Or if desired, the valve ||3 may be solenoid operated according to the scribed liquid return valves, is generally responsive to actuation of the motor and pump. The inside of the separating chamber having been vented promptly, lenables the valve of Fig. 23 to function as a Siphon breaker, maintaining the liquid level at the height illustrated on stopping the pump.

embodiment hereinafter described in connection with Fig. 23.

In Fig. 22 is shown a suction operated liquid return valve which'controls a siphon breaker. The liquid supply to the pump, I Ie, is through the passage I I5. As the pump starts the valve ||1 is moved downward by suction closing the openings II-9 and preventing any liquid owing tothe suction side of the pump from, above the level I |6 in the separating chamber. As the valve ||1 is pulled downward the linkage ||8 causes the valve |2| to likewise move downward through the interposed spring `|2|a closing its small opening and thus shutting ofi egress of atmospheric pressure from the separating chamber to the intake side of the pump. On stoppage of the pump the spring shown inside the valve ||1 raises the valve and likewise raises the lever arm ||8, pivoted at |20, which causes the Siphon-breaking have access to the liquid supply line. Locating the siphon breaker at a position illustrated and having the pump located as shown, permits the provision `of a substantial liquid .pool on the supply side of the pump. As soon as the-siphon breaker is open, and the pump stopped, lliquid will be maintained at level |22. The abutment |23 prevents the spring raising the valve |I 1 to a greater amount than is desired. It will be understood the siphon breaker |2| may be made `responsive to any* (other heretofore described. type of liquid return valve. -It should also be re membered that a liquid return valve is not even necessary in Fig. 22 since the siphon breaker may be made responsive to a suction device I1 without having this suction device function as a valve.

In Fig. 23 is shown a liquid return valve actuated by a solenoidV |21. The liquid supply passage |23 leads to the pump and the valve |24 is kept oi its seatby the spring |26. The armature of the solenoid |21 is pulled downward on'the ow of curernt through the solenoid inresponse to operation of the motor, the solenoid being in series or otherwise suitably connected with the motor. Downward movement ofthe solenoid armature pushes down the rod |28 within the .expansible cylinder |29 to press down the piston |30. The use of the expansible cylinder or metallic bellows |29 does away with the necessity of having to have packing around thestem |28. The guide |3| for the piston |30 directs the downward movement of thenvalve |24 onto its seat, and by providing a small escape opening to be raised permitting air pressure to In Fig. 24 is, illustrated a construction suitable for higher liquid pressuresthan have been contemplated in the preceding ilgures, yet enabling the vent valve on the 'separating chamber to be opened by a ap valve or float without dimculty against the higher pressure within the separating chamber. 'I'his is accomplished by means of a servo-mechanism for actuating the vent valve. Liquid is supplied through the pipe |0f to the pump ||f, and thence into the lower portion of the separating chamber whence it passes around the baiiles |32 and |33 to the ap valve |34 and thence around the bailles |35 and |36 and out the discharge pipe to a suitable relief` valve, not shown. Some gas may pass through opening |52a. The flap valve |34 actuates the lever |31, which is connected with the rod |38 through the lost motion connection |39, rod |30 being in turn connected to the bell crank. lever |40, pivoted at |4| and connected to the piston valve |42, which is balanced by the piston valve |44 on the same rod. The opening |45 provides access to the space between the pistons |42 and |44, and this space is connected with the space |46 beneath the piston |48.

A spring |43 is provided to counterbalance the weight of valve |42-I44 and the links connecting it to bell crank |40. The weight of the ilap valve |34 keeps it closed when there is no liquid ilowing. 'I'his flap valve may or may not have a vent hole in it. When the flap valve |34 opens, lever |31 first takes up the slack inthe lost motion connection |39 and upon further opening of ap valve |34 the balanced piston valve |42-I44 is moved downward closing the port |45 and opening the port |52, to the space |46 ibeneath the piston |48. As illustrated, the port |52 is connected by the pi-pe |53 so as to be subject to the suction createdjby the pumpV IIf. The spring |41 raises the piston |48 and transmitsmotion through the connecting rod |49 to the lever |50, In theposition illustrated with the ap valve closed the pressure of the atmosphere or greater pressure is admitted to both sides of piston |48, enabling the spring |41-to raise the .piston |48, allowing theJ vent valve to be open. As soon as the iiap valve |34 opens, the balanced piston |42|44 is moved to a lower position connecting the space |46 beneath the piston |48 to the suc-- tion pressure of the pump and the port |52, thus enabling pressure on top of the piston |48 and suction beneath it'to depress the piston against the action of the spring |41 and causing the vent valve |5| to be closed and held closed while the ilap valve is open. While not shown in detail, it

should -be understood the vent valve |5| may -be made responsive to any liquid surge for closing.

Also the vent valve |5I should 'be provided with the hooked levermechanism of Figs. '4 and 5 for positively opening it on closing the ilap |3|a for displaced liquid or gas, the closing of valve |24 may besuitabiy delayed. 'rms construction as well as each of the heretoforedeoperating this mechanism. 75 valve |42|44 may also be valve |34. Instead of depending on pressure and suction of the pump ||f to actuate the servo mechanism controlling the vent valve, it will be understood that a separate and independent source cipressure such as an auxiliary pump may be used for The balanced piston operated by a oat so the supply pipe to the pump. Afterpassing through the gas separator chamber, liquid is pumped past a'relief valve of the type illustrated in Figs. '1 or 9 and thence through meter |56 to nozzle |51 controlled by trigger control |58 as is customary The supply tank, foot valve, relief valve, meter and nozzle with its control is contemplated for use with any of the foregoing emf bodiments of this invention as well as with the device of Fig. 25.

In the preferred embodiment of Fig. 25 is shown a separating chamber having two vent valves, one controlled by a ow responsive flap valve and the other by a float, each vent valve being adapted to close in response to a liquid surge and each also being opened positively by a' hooked lever of the type shown and described in Figs. 4 and 5 for example. Liquid from the pump enters the passage |60, thence through the aligned openings |6| in the removable tube |62 into chamber |64 having on top thereof a vent |63. 'Ihe flap valve |65, pivoted at |66 is provided with a levery |61 engaging the connecting rod |68 which has a lost motion connection |68 with the lever |10 pivoted at |1 I On raising the flap valve |65 by liquid ilow the level |12 is raised to close the vent valve |13, the tight closing being assisted when pressure is built up within the separating chamber. As liquid the separating chamber the float |14 is raised about its pivot |15, swinging lever |16 to which is connected the rod |11 having a lost motion connection |18 with the lever |19`pivoted at |80. As the float is raised to the dotted line position, the vent; valve |8| is closed and liquid without air orgas content is now discharged through passage |85. Upon stoppage of the pump the flap valve falls by gravity to its seat opening the vent valve |13, usually in advance of opening of the vent valve |8| since the float normally falls slowly due to any leakage through a foot valve. On accumulation of gas volume during the pumping operation in the upper portion of the separating chamber, the liquid flow may not be reduced suiiiciently to allow flap valve |65 to be closed sufficiently to cause the hooked lever to positively open the vent valve |13 and relieve gas pressure within the upper portion of the separating chamber. The drop in liquid level is suiiicient, however, to drop float |14.and to open'vent valve |8| through the action of a hooked lever of the type shown in'Figs. 4 and 5. Air and gas is freely discharged through vent valve |8|, but any liquid surging up promptly closes the vent valve, as described for Figs. 4 and 5. The rising liquid level raises oat |14 and again closes vent valve |8|, thereby again diverting the full liquid stream into passage |85 and into the meter and nozzle. The flap |65 remainslifted up, thus also keeping vent valve |13 closed. The path of the liquid from the passage |62 is beneath the rib or baille |83 and over the top of the rib |84. 'I'hese ribs make it possible arating chamber upon accumulation of a predetermined amount, without the danger of any gas passing out of the separating chamber Awith th'e pumped liquid which flows out through the opening |85. The separating chamber is shown as being mounted on a flange |86 constituting a part of the pump'housing. In case access should be desired to the interior of the separating chamber-drain plugs |81 and |88 are provided for that purpose. Also filling plug |81a is provided on top of the separating chamber, in the removable roof or top plate |88. In event a gas vent .pipe 51 leads from the relief valve as shown in Fig. '1, the same would in this construction be connected to the separating chamber at the opening |82. The liquidpassage |62 is'formed integrally with a'removable plug portion |80 which is adapted for reception within a countersunk portion of the gas separator chamber side wall |9|. Wheie a liquid return valve is used to return any vexcess liquid to the suction side of the pump as described for example in Fig. 1 and other constructions, such valve is in this embodiment contained in a separate housing which is connected by a pipe with the lower portion 'of the separating chamber as shown at |82.

Among the advantages of this invention may be mentioned greater economy and safety of operation. Greatersafety is-obtained because of the precautions taken to prevent liquid being forced out any of the vent openings. The vent valves of this invention are preferably each responsive to a liquid surge so that in event of liquid rising into contact with the valve 'it closes to prevent liquid passing out the vent. The

tortuous path provided for any liquid and gas' mixture before reaching the vent opening is another feature to prevent the passage of liquid through the vent opening. The ventl valves are closed either in response to operation of the pump and motor or in response to a iioat or to a flap valve, which latter in turn is responsive to flow of the liquid. The prevention of liquid passing through the vent' does away with the neCeSSity for any TCCOVey 01 Si'ltilllllg Chamber,

' to catch liquid so discharged. It thereby eliminates unnecessary pumping losses, because no liquid passes the vent and therefore no excess liquid 'has to .be pumped to make up for the liquid lost through the vent. Elimination of such a recovery chamber makes for greater compactness and simplicity. Another desirable feature of this invention is` the provision of an ample liquid supply for automatic self priming of the pump. Still a further feature is the provision of a number of vent openings all leadingv to the valve controlled vent opening in the top of the separating chamber.

' The various illustrated embodiments of this invention having only a flap valve vent control valve.

are each capable of opening a vent during pumping when the volume of gas reaches an amount suiilcient to allow partial closure of the flap No gas can therefore be pumped to-the meter. y

Insteadof a vent valve responsive to either a float or a flap valve, it will be understood that onlyl one vent valve may be provided and this made generally responsive to motor or pump operation in the described manner by a solenoid or by any otherjmechanism such as a centrifugal governor, etc., if the separator chamberis made y.

large enough to hold all separated gas that might be formed during a run.

I claim: L

l. In a liquid dispensing apparatus, a gas separator, a vent on the separator, a valve closing said vent, means for closing said valve in response to a liquid surge at said valve, said valve being adapted to be held closed by pressure within said separator greater than air pressure, and `means responsive to the stoppage of liquid `means for closing said valve for opening valve being constructedto be self closing` in duction in bination with a chamber opening said a vent valve on said separator, means for closing said valve before any substantial amount of liquid has had a chanceto pass said valve, said valve being constructed to be held closed by pressure within said separator, and means including a flow responsive elementdisposed in the path of liquid flow adapted on substantial reduction or stoppage of iiow of liquid but not of gas to positively open said valve against the pressure within said separator, and adapted on iull ow of liquid to close said valve.

3. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a gas separator, a vent valve on the separator, vent valve before any substantial liquid has had a chance to pass said vent valve. and a liquid now-controlled lever mechanism which operates independently of liquid level for positively engaging Vsaid valve and automatically opening the vent against any pressure in said separator.

4. A dispensing apparatus including a' pump, a separating chamber in which gaseous portions may be eliminated from the liquid after passing said pump, a vent and a valve closing'said vent,

iluid pressure means for actuating said valve, aV flow responsive valve in said separating chamber,

valve mechanism controlling said yiiuid pressure means, and means connecting said valve mechanism and ow responsive valve.

5. Ina liquid dispensing apparatus the'combination-with a" chamber in which gas may be separated from liquid moving therethrough, of a-vent in the upper portion of said chamber, a valve controlling said vent and adapted to be held Vclosed by pressure within said chamber, mechanism positively engaging saidvalve for opening the same against pressurewithin said chamber, and means said mechanism .from y the same.

6. In a liquid dispensing apparatus, the comfor automatically freeing said valve ai'ter opening bination with separated from liquid passing therethrough, a vent in the. upper portion. of said chamber, a' and closing said vent, said response to a liquid surge therein, and held closed by pressure within said chamber, mechanism for pulling said valve open against pressure'in Said chamber, and means for automatically releasing said valve from said mechanism to free the valve' and render it available for again being closed by liquid surge.

7. Ina liquid dispensing apparatus, the combination with a chamber in which gasmay be separated from liquid passing therethrough, a ventv in the upper portionV o! said chamber, va valve for opening and closing said vent, said valve being constructed to be self closing in response to a liquid surge therein, and held closed by pressure within said chamber, and means for opening said valve in response to a stoppage of liquid ow cross-sectional areav of liquid flow through a portion of said chamber.

8. In a liquid dispensing apparatus, the comin which gas may be separated from liquid passing therethrough, a vent in the upper portion of said chamber, a

valve for opening and closing said vent, said a chamber in :which gas maybe v or in response to a substantial re-' sponse to a liquid surge therein, and held closed by pressure within said chamber, and means for v opening said valve in response to a predetermined volume of gas collecting in said chamber and means f or again closing'said valve in response to a substantialv reduction in the volume or gas in said chamber while liquid is ilowing therethrough. 9. In a liquid-dispensing apparatus, a gas separator, a vent on'the 10 ing said vent, means for closingsaid valve-in 're- .sponse to a liquid Asurge at said valve, said valvev being adapted to beheld closed by pressure within said separator greater than air pressure, mech-` anism responsive to ja. stoppage or substantial reduction of liquid ilow through saidseparator for opening said valveagainst said pressure, said mechanism positively engaging said valve for opening the same against pressure within said separator, vand release means for vautomatically freeing said valvefromsaid mechanism after opening ofthe valve.

10. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a gas separator,- a .vent valve on the separator, means for closing said vent valve before any substantial liquid has had -a valve, a liquid flow-controlled lever mechanism which operates independently of liquid level for positively engaging said valve and automatically opening the vent against any pressure in said go-separator, said mechanism positively engaging said, valve for opening the Same against pressure within said separator,V and release means for automatically freeing said 'valve from saidmechanism after opening-of the valve.

separator, a vent on the separator,l a valve for closing said vent, means for. closing said valve in response to a liquid surge at said valve, said 40 vwithin said separator greater than air pressure', means responsive to a stoppage or substantial l reduction of liquid iiow through said separator r for opening said valve against said pressure, said flow responsive means comprising anap disposed across the path orliquid upper end, linkage operativelyk connecting said flap to mechanism for opening or closing-the vent valve, the arrangement being such that the ventvalve is closed by upward movement of the iiap when vfull ilow of liquid raises the flap, but

is opened by downward upon reduction or stoppage of liquid flow, the

mechanism for. operatingthe vent valve including means for automatically releasingthe valve from the valve-operatingmechanism when the valve isopened, in order to free the valve and thereby render it by liquid surge.

12. In a liquid dispensing apparatus the combination with a chamber'in which gas may be separated from liquid moving therethrough, of a vent in the upper portion ofsaid chamber, a valve for opening surge. and adapted to be held within said'chamben mechanism positively enpressure within said chamber, said mechanism comprising alafch and detent whichengage'to pull the valve open, and an additional abutment 'against which. the latch i's so moved as to dis- Aengage the latch from the detent when th valve is moved from closed to open position, thereby valve, said latch and detent separator, avalve for closchance to pass said vent now and pivoted at its movement of thevilapv 4 available i'or again being closed and closing said vent, said valve being self-closing in response to a liquid closed by pressure automatically freeing said mechanism from said mechanism being so arranged as to automatically re-engage when the valve is again to be opened by said mechanism.

13. A dispensing apparatus including a pump, a separating chamber in which gaseous portions may be eliminated from the liquid after passing said pump, a vent, a vent valve for closing said vent, servo mechanism including a cylinder and a piston operated by iluid pressure for actuating said valve, a ilow responsive device in said separating chamber, a pilot valve' controlling the operation' of said servo mechanism, and means connecting said ow responsive device to said pilot valve of the servo mechanism.

14. In a liquid dispensing apparatus, a gas separator, a vent on the separator, a vent valve for closing said vent, means for closing said vent valve in response to a liquid surge at said valve,

said vent valve being adapted to be held closed by pressure within said separator greater than air pressure, and means responsive to a stoppage o1' substantial reduction of llquidilow through said separator for opening said vent valve against said pressure, said means including servo. mech-- anism comprising a piston and cylinder, a pilot valve for controlling the now oi a pressureiiluid to the cylinder, and linkage between the flow responsive means and the pilot valve so arranged as to close the vent valve upon` full liquid now, and to open the vent valve upon substantial reduction or stoppage of liquid ilow.

15. In a liquid dispensing apparatus, a gas separator, a vent on the separator, a vent valve for closing said vent, means for closing said vent valve in response to a liquid surge at saidvent valve, said vent valve being adapted to be held closed by pressure within said separator greater than air pressure. and now responsive means responsive to a stoppage or substantial reduction of liquid ilow through said separator for opening said vent valve against said pressurefsald' means including mechanism positively engaging said vent valve `for opening the same against pressure within 'said separator, and release means for automatically freeing said vent valvefrom said mechanism after opening the same, said vent valve operating means further including servo mechanism comprising a piston and cylinder, a pilot valve for controlling the iiow of a pressure iluid to the cy der, and linkage between the ilow responsive means and the pilot valve in orderto open and close the vent valve.

16. In is. liquid |dispensing apparatus, a gas separator, a vent on the separator, a valve for closing said vent, means for closing said valve in response to a liquid surge at said valve, said valve being adapted to be held closed by pressure within said separator greater than air pressure, means responsive to a stoppage or substantial 'reduction of liquid flow through said separator for opening said valve against said pressure, said ilow responsive means comprising a flap disposed across the path ot liquid ilow and pivoted at its upper end.. linkage operatively connecting said flap to mechanism for opening or closing the Vvent valve, the vmechanism for operating the vent valve including means for automatically releasing the valve from the valve-operating mechanism when the valve is opened, in order to free A,

the valve and thereby render it available for again being closed by liquid surge, said vent valve operating mechanism further including servo mechanism comprising a piston and cylinder, and a pilot valve for controlling the admission of a pressure fluid to the cylinder, said pilot'valve being moved by the aforesaid linkage and nap, and the arrangement being such that the vent valve is closed by upward movement of the ilap when full flow of liquid raises the nap, but is opened by downward movement of the ilap upon reduc-'- tion or stoppage of liquid flow.

GUSTAVE A. UNGAR. 

